D.C. Architecture and Design Update

Yolanda is the Senior Principal and owner of Hickok Cole Architects, a large commercial architecture and interiors firm located in Washington, DC. She has over 25 years of base building and interior design experience in a variety of project types from large-scale, mixed-use developments to small commercial interiors, both around the world and in the region. She is widely recognized for her leadership in the region’s business community and for her work on many award-winning projects in the commercial/corporate, government, and institutional markets. Prior to joining Hickok Cole Architects as a partner, Ms. Cole was a partner with Arlington-based LyrixDesign, which merged with Hickok’s firm to become Hickok Cole. LyrixDesign was one of the top 25 woman-owned and interior design firms in the region. She began her career with New York-based Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF), where she was a senior designer of large-scale high-rise office buildings. While with KPF, Ms. Cole served as senior designer for the 1.2-million square-foot Chifley Tower in Sydney, Australia, where she lived for two years; and the award-winning Capital Cities/ABC headquarters in New York.

For over 30 years, Barbara Mullenex has focused her career on people; an attribute that embodies the Perkins Eastman manifesto of Human by Design. Recognized by many for her unique contributions to hospitality, residential, mixed use and workplace projects, her professional legacy will be one of passion for mentorship, inclusion, growth and change. Barbara joined Perkins Eastman as a studio leader in Washington, DC in 2013 bringing with her an expertise in strategic planning, organizational strategy, talent development, and outcome based management for projects of all scales. In 2015, she joined the firm’s Board of Directors, and is now the Managing Principal in Washington, DC – Perkins Eastman’s second largest office. As a local and international leader, she is responsible for actively supporting and strengthening the firm’s mission and values through consistent communication and participation with clients, support organizations, and philanthropic associations. Through her collaborative leadership approach, Barbara has maintained a focus on producing creative and innovative solutions for her clients. She builds inter- and intra- organization teams that effectively work together to share information, make decisions, and solve problems to achieve mutual goals. Barbara has lead the design and management of numerous high-profile projects for clients such as Marriot, WeWork WeLive, Global Holdings, and World Bank. From large, complex projects to the most intimately scaled spaces she brings clarity of vision, consistency of intent and focus on purpose. In addition to her expansive portfolio of work, Barbara is committed to leadership through service and has been recognized for her philanthropic and community engagement. She serves on the Executive Committee and Membership Committee of the Federal City Council, is a member of the Economic Club of Washington DC, and the International Women’s Forum. In her commitment to bringing the arts into our daily discourse she has served on the Board on the National Symphony Orchestra and is currently Vice Chair of the Maryland Youth Ballet Board. She has earned service awards that include Washington Business Journal’s CEO Leadership in Philanthropy, and the Corporate Award from the March of Dimes Heroines in Technology. Guided by her passion for mentorship, Barbara has dedicated much of her career to fostering the growth of those around her. Whether participating in events such Learn From the Best with ULI Washington’s Young Leaders Group, or clearing a path for our work force’s next generation, her commitment to every individual’s personal and professional growth has made her the leader she is today.

Paola Moya is a visionary leader driven by innovative designs, collaborative environments, and thoughtful placemaking. As the founder and chief executive officer of Moya Design Partners, Paola is the company’s creative director in charge of setting the firm’s strategy, direction, culture and brand. She oversees the studio’s operations and enjoys building teams. Paola is active in the design, evolution, and life of every project. She is a multifaceted designer with expertise in the fields of architecture, interiors, product, and visual design. Paola’s client-centered and methodical approach has not only earned the trust and loyalty of clients, it has also contributed to her esteemed reputation in the industry. Paola personally collaborates with clients to check progress and implement feedback quickly and effectively. She consults with residents, partners, and stakeholders to identify vision / scope / goals for each project. With in-person design charettes, web-based video feeds, and advanced technology, Paola is known for keeping communications open and live. In turn, she coordinates with each MOYA team member to ensure timely completion of required deliverables. The Washington Business Journal has recognized Paola as one of the region’s “Power 100 Playmakers”; a top “40 Under 40” professional; and a “Minority Business Leader of the Year.” In 2019, she was named a top “40 Under 40” professional by Building Design + Construction Magazine, and the WBJ honored Paola among seven top immigrant business leaders for her firm’s contributions to the architectural landscape of the city. She has been named “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” by the DC and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and her work has been recognized with design excellence awards from AIA, the National Organization of Minority Architects, Graphic Design USA, International Design Awards, and Built by Women (Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation). Paola is a frequently sought speaker at local and national AIA chapters, the Urban Land Institute, and the National Building Museum. She has served on the boards of the Montgomery Housing Partnership and the District of Columbia Building Industry Association. She earned a master’s degree in architecture with a real estate development concentration, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Catholic University of America and holds a finance certification from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School Executive Education program. Paola enjoys her hobbies outside of work, which include finding new salsa dancing venues, cultivating her love of martial arts, and discovering new rhythms and flavors in different corners of the world. She enjoys her newfound passion for running, although she says it is coming along slowly!

Santiago Manent is General Manager for Porcelanosa USA Mid-Atlantic and South East regions. With over 15 years of experience in the building materials industry, he has held roles in various states and positions within the company, gathering a holistic view of the industry. He is responsible, alongside the executive team of the Spanish manufacturer, for the growth, diversification and brand recognition the company enjoys in the U.S. Today Porcelanosa USA operates 35 locations and employs close to 500 people in the U.S., with Charlotte, opening in 2024, being the next addition to the business units. Santiago is originally from Spain, has and MBA from I.E. Business school in Madrid, Spain, and currently lives in Bethesda with his wife and three kids.

Erin McDannald, CEO and co-owner of Lighting Environments and its sister companies, Elevated and Environments, has guided clients throughout the entire lighting design and construction process for over two decades. Trained as an interior designer, McDannald joined Baltimore’s New Design Light firm in the sales department in 2003 before becoming co-owner in 2009. Under her leadership, the company rebranded to Lighting Environments to reflect the company’s expansion into lighting technology offerings for all built environments. Honored as a 2022 Bisnow “Innovator of the Year” in commercial real estate, Erin is recognized as a top female leader in DC’s real estate field. Now a pioneer for IoT (Internet of Things) integration and building and workplace management, McDannald is leading today’s workforce through powerful digital transformation with the Elevated™ app. Elevated, a proprietary building management application, grants users unmatched access and awareness of their built environments. Elevated’s all-in-one interface supports interactive, engaging spaces and supports real estate ROI. Environments is an IoT integrator and software development company offering full-scale adaptable solutions that support businesses from end-to-end, from energy management to health monitoring. With every development and service, Erin McDannald and the Lighting Environments brands continue to innovate for spaces that are expertly designed, well-connected, and flexible for each user and occupant.